Former Provincial Chief Nursing Officer to join NHS

Niagara, ON: An experienced and well respected nursing leader who led the provincial government's nursing strategy and advised the Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health on nursing issues will bring a broad perspective to her new role with the Niagara Health System (NHS).

"We are privileged to have Sue Matthews join the NHS in this critical role as Vice President, Patient Services & Chief Nursing Executive," says NHS President and CEO Debbie Sevenpifer. "Her deep commitment and passion for the nursing profession are surpassed only by the depth of her knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing nursing and healthcare across the country. As we begin planning for the implementation of the Hospital Improvement Plan in the new year, Ms. Matthews will provide invaluable leadership and advocacy for our nursing professionals."

Ms. Matthews is currently the Ontario Vice President, Operations and Chief of Practice, as well as National Executive Director of Disease management for the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). In this role, Ms. Matthews has provided fiscal and operational leadership to 22 branches across Ontario, leadership for all aspects of care and service for all health-care professionals, and has led the development, implementation and evaluation of chronic disease management programs nationally.

Prior to her role at VON, Ms. Matthews held the position of Provincial Chief Nursing Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. She advised the Premier, Minister and the government on nursing and health system issues, provided strategic leadership and advice on health system transformation and fostered partnerships and collaboration between government, nursing and other stakeholders.

Ms. Matthews holds a Doctor of Public Health degree along with a Master's in Health Science Nursing degree, both of which are from Charles Sturt University. In addition, Sue has a Bachelor Liberal Arts, Health Studies degree from York University and a Diploma in Nursing from Ryerson Polytechnic University. Ms. Matthews is a Clinical Associate Professor at McMaster University and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto.

"Sue Matthews brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in relation to nursing, nursing practice, quality patient care and health human resources," says Linda Haslam-Stroud, ONA Provincial President. "The Ontario Nurses' Association looks forward to working with Sue in her new role, as we address the challenges facing nurses on the front lines at NHS."

In her new role as NHS Vice President, Patient Services & Chief Nursing Executive, Ms. Matthews will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership and support to nurses and patient programs. She will be responsible for the Welland and Port Colborne sites, the Maternal Child Program, the Medicine Program, Research Ethics and Clinical Ethics.

"The Niagara Health System is in the midst of exciting times," says Ms. Matthews, a Registered Nurse. "I am thrilled to be coming at this time in the evolution of healthcare in the Niagara region. This position interests me as it encompasses my passion for and expertise in both nursing professional practice and program leadership. I hope to incorporate my knowledge and skills in implementing the Hospital Improvement Plan changes and improving quality of care throughout the Niagara region."